Agenda and minutes

You are welcome to use Welsh at the meeting, a minimum notice period of 3 working days is required should you wish to do so.  A simultaneous translation will be provided if requested.

It was noted that no requests had been received for the simultaneous translation service.

To receive.

The following apologies for absence were received:-

Councillor G. Paulsen

Councillor T. Sharrem

Councillor P. Baldwin

To receive.

Item No. 5

Service Review

Councillor W. Hodgins

The Member advised that he had received legal advice and although he was permitted to declare an interest in his capacity as a member of the Board he could remain in the meeting and take part in discussions.

To receive the minutes of the Community Services Scrutiny Committee held on 16^th January, 2020.

(Please note the minutes are submitted for accuracy points only).

The Chair noted that these Minutes had been submitted in error and had been agreed at the last meeting.

Having regard to the views expressed by the Proper Officer regarding the public interest test, that on balance the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information and that the report should be exempt.

The Committee AGREED that the public be excluded whilst this item of business is transacted as it is likely there would be a disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 14, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972 (as amended).

Consideration was given to the report of the Chief Officer Commercial.

The Chief Officer Commercial gave a detailed overview of the report which had been presented in order for Members to scrutinise the findings from the Service Review. The Chief Officer Commercial outlined the key points in the report as follows:-

·        Scope and Background

·        Phase Two

·        Future Options

·        Observations, Risks and Opportunities

·        New Strategic Partnership Board

In conclusion the Chief Officer Commercial referred Members to the options for consideration and advised that both options challenged the previous service delivery model. The Chief Officer noted that both options posed risks and opportunities for the Council.

The Chair thanked the Chief Officer for the detailed overview of the report and welcomed questions from Members.

A Member referred to the Community Asset Transfer (CAT) and pointed out that due to staff at the facility the Authority would be responsible for TUPE costs which would result in a significant strain on pensions. The Member added that this was not normal practice and asked if the cost would be picked up by the new service provider.

The Team Manager - Leisure & Street Scene advised that the CAT was different to Beaufort Theatre as staff was involved and therefore a TUPE would be required to the new organisation. The Team Manager added that the relevant discussions had been undertaken and a course of action had been agreed with CLT.

With regard to a question raised about the senior management restructure, it was informed that two senior officers had left their posts and following new structures put forward this reduction had occurred naturally as the individuals had left the organisation.

A Member referred to the proposed representation of the Board would include Senior Members and asked if this would be only Executive Members. In response, the Chief Officer Commercial advised that Political representation had not yet been agreed and open for discussion.

A Member raised concerns in relation to the restrictions placed on Elected Members who sit on certain outside bodies representing the Council. It prevented Members discussing matters with colleagues or make their constituents aware. The Member proposed that all level Blaenau Gwent Councillors be considered for the Strategic Partnership Board and ensure there was a cross party representation.

This course of action was AGREED.

A Member noted that the Strategic Partnership Board would meet on an annual basis and Members concurred that the Board should meet quarterly. The Chief Officer Commercial agreed that this could be explored, however it was important that the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.